Reskins & Repairs

Yes – we can reskin your drum!

When that fateful day comes and your drum pops it can be a bit of a shock. Sometimes it happens silently in the night, other times it goes out with a bang. Don’t despair – it happens to every drum eventually. See it as an opportunity to get a beautiful new skin, maybe try a different sound and get a new colour rope if you fancy. We’ll have your drum back in action in no time. Here’s all you need to know.

How much does it cost?

Djembes

10″-11″ RRP (inc gst)
$115 = Standard goat skin off and on
$135 = Re-skin with new rope & oil (optional/if needed)
$165 = Full refurb including new skin, rope, crack repairs (you can also order change of rings or add rubber base at additional cost)

12″-14″ RRP (inc gst)
$145 = Standard goat skin off and on. We will use the drums existing rings and ropes. Will oil the drum if it looks thirsty at no extra charge.
$175 = Re-skin with new rope & oil (optional/if needed). Choose your own rope colour.
$200 = Full refurb including new skin, rope, oil & crack repairs
* Please note in some cases where extreme damage to the drum is noted, we will discuss options with you. Extra repair charges may apply

New Rope

Sometimes your drum may need the rope replaced due to damage or simply you wanting to freshen up your drum with new colours. We offer this service here @ AD.

-For Verticals only with Std 4/5mm rope:

10-11′ $55 (4mm) , 12-13″ $65.00, 14″$70.00

-Changing all rope (including rings):

10-11″ $65 (4mm) , 12-13″ $95.00 , 14″ $100.00

Extra Work

We’ll assess your drum as it arrives. If your drum needs it or you request it, we’ll oil the shell for free. If we find that there are issues with the drum which need to be addressed and may incur additional charges, we’ll call you discuss the options for your drum before we start our work. Extra work may include:

Afro-Cow Option

If you prefer the warm pop of Cow on your drum, just say the word – cow skin re-skins are an extra $10

New rings

Some drums have been made with rings that are too big, compromising the strength of the skin & leading to poor sound quality. To get the best sound out of your drum and for the skin to last the longest you need the rings to be tight.
Price $10 -18 per ring depending on size. See options here
eg. 11″ $13, 12″ $14, 13″ $15,

Hairline cracks

Over time these can become more severe and eventually cause major issues for the shell. If repaired correctly the drum retains it’s structural integrity for life.
Price dependant on in house assessment.

Rubber Base

Add a protective rubber base to the bottom of your drum. Protects the drum from damage due to vibration and dropping onto hard surfaces.
Price $50

Overlap and Hair on Drums

These drums will attract an extra $10

*For drums other than these sizes please contact us at [email protected] or (03) 9525 3073

**Please note that these prices don’t include transport/shipping if needed, and are subject to assessment of the drum. We will send you a specific quote of the rate once we see the drum and work needed

Synthetic (Vegan) drums

We have a fabulous synthetic skin option if you prefer to head in that direction
Cost is an additional $30 on top of our regular pricing and we can only do drums up to 12.5″ in diameter

Other Drums

We can skin many drums: peg drums, lug/hardware drums, East African drums, Middle Eastern frame drums, American drums and more. Bring it in and we’ll see what we can do!

Bongos

Single head: $65.00
Both heads: $110.00

Congas

Single head: $120.00
Both heads: $225.00

Duns: Single Head

Kinkenny: $140.00
Sangban: $150.00
Dun: $180.00
Set: $400.00

Duns: Both Heads

Kinkenny: $210.00
Sangban: $240.00
Dun: $300.00
Set: $640.00

How long will it take?

The process generally takes a 5 – 7 days from start to finish.

Reskin or Replace?

If your drum is African, of good quality, or has sentimental value then it is well worth re-skinning. If the drum is an Indonesian or Indian djembe, or a small drum with a head of 10″ or less, we recommend replacement as it is either cheaper to get a new one, or only an extra few bucks for an upgrade to a brand new drum! Check out our Indo Series.

What kind of skins do we use?

We use premium goat hide, or cow if requested. We stock a variety of quality hides of all colours, thickness’s and finishes.

The sound and the finish

Let us know what kind of sound you’re looking for so that we can find the perfect skin for you. Alternatively, have our drum maker to balance the skin to the drum. We use premium goat hide, or cow if requested. We stock a variety of quality hides of all colours, thickness’s and finishes. We can provide a hair on or hair off finish at no additional charge.

Drum Makers Choice– We choose the best skin for the shell.
Beginners – Thin-Medium. Easy to find sounds, easier on the handsAll Rounder – Medium skin, balanced to the shell for good all round range.Soloist – Thin or Thin-Medium for volume and clear high ends.Thick – Favoured by experienced players with tough hands and well developed technique. Offers rich, deep tonal ranges and best on hardwood shells.

I don’t live in Melbourne!

No worries – we reskin drums from around the country. Send your drum into us and we’ll reskin it and send it back, adding return postage to the total.
If you’d like to go head, let us know you’re sending your drum in. Please include your mobile number and return address, as well as the desired sound and/or skin of your choice. We will let you know the drum has arrived and give you an assessment and quote. Once the drum is finished, we settle payment and send it back to you via AusPost!

Talk to us about your drum

”I received my drum yesterday and the results are fantastic. Thank you all for the care and consideration you must take to ensure best results. I love the new skin and the sounds the drum now makes. I’m sure the wonderful African gentleman the drum was purchased from many moons ago would be suitably impressed, as I am. Again, thank you for your time and effort. I can’t wait now to show it off in the next drum circle, and will be telling people from up this way that the only place to go for all drum repairs is your shop.